Lonely Avenue
by Nick Hornby
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Sep 28, 2010
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. BBC Music
    80
    This is an affecting and intelligent record: neither Folds nor Hornby should be shy about suggesting a sequel.
  2. Boston Globe
    80
    Lonely Avenue is musical nirvana for lovers of the deft balance of sassy snark and sincere sentiment.
  3. Clash Music
    70
    It has to be said that, considering how Nick Hornby is credited with writing all of the lyrics here, the usual Ben Folds key words are present and there's only so much 'bastard', 'shit' and 'fucking' I can take. Despite this concern, as well as being Folds' most musically accomplished outing since going solo, it does feature the magnificent phrase, "some guy on the net thinks I suck and he should know; he's got his own blog."
  5. musicOMH.com
    80
    It adds up to Folds' finest record yet, and while nobody would dare suggest that Nick Hornby would give up his day job, a sequel to this fascinating collaboration would be more than welcome.
  6. PopMatters
    70
    Lonely Avenue has to be considered a big success for both artists.
  7. Slant Magazine
    80
    Lonely Avenue definitively exfoliates its ersatz-'70s, one-off joint-effort stance; more than anything, it's proof that pop can push back against middle-class maturity woes with both rhetorical and diatonic thickness.
  8. Spin
    70
    Lonely Avenue's two knights of music nerd-dom use their disarming pop smarts to wryly sympathize with the hapless Playgirl cover boy. The empathy and humor run throughout.
  9. The A.V. Club
    75
    More sweet than cynical on this outing, Folds and Hornby are perfectly complementary as a pair of smart-asses with sentimental sides.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. varde1234
    Aug 15, 2012
    8
    I believe this album has great vocals and random funny lyrics. I would suggest listening to it. Nick Hornby and Ben Folds are quite the teamI believe this album has great vocals and random funny lyrics. I would suggest listening to it. Nick Hornby and Ben Folds are quite the team although some would like to differ I would just get your own opinion of the album. Most of the songs have a very good tune.… Full Review »
  2. jbledsoe
    Oct 14, 2010
    8
    Never mind the often hilarious, sometimes touching lyrics by Hornby. This is the best Folds has sounded since 2001's wonderful solo effort,Never mind the often hilarious, sometimes touching lyrics by Hornby. This is the best Folds has sounded since 2001's wonderful solo effort, "Rockin' the Suburbs." It's as if having someone else write the words re-awakened Folds' musical muse. I really hope they work together again.… Full Review »
  3. ikolding
    Oct 6, 2010
    8
    After a mild disappointment from Ben Fold's last record, Way to Normal, I was hoping for a redemptive record. After hearing the news that NickAfter a mild disappointment from Ben Fold's last record, Way to Normal, I was hoping for a redemptive record. After hearing the news that Nick Hornby (who I had never previously heard of) was writing the lyrics, my skepticism was excited. I figured that this record would be either a soaring success or an abject failure. Well, I was wrong--this is a good record with some fantastic tunes on it, but there are some definite misses.

    I'll get to the point: I'm digging the heartbreaking lyrics, clean, lush production, and hummable tunes on great cuts like "Claire's Ninth," "From Above," and "Doc Pomus." What I'm not digging are the luxurious, indulgent tunes like "Levi Johnston's Blues" and "Password," which are the two worst tunes on the album. They are not up to the standard that I would hold Ben Folds to. "Belinda," the other giant song on this album, rings well and contains a catchy melody that manages to emulate a hit song-in-a-song, a clever device that is used for considerable emotional punch.

    I happen to disagree with some of the meaner reviews that claim that Folds' music is little more than sugary, sympathetic generic '70s knockoff pop. The arrangements are dynamic, sweeping, and grand (except on "Practical Amanda," that is). Folds is perhaps one of the top ten melodists in pop, and his melodies are carried well by his competent tenor.

    Overall, this album is a well-produced foray that oozes musicianship. I would certainly recommend it to Folds fans, and any well-read music lover that still loves catchy melodies and complex instrumentation.

    Hits: Working Day, Doc Pomus, Your Dogs, Claire's Ninth, From Above
    Misses: Levi Johnston's Blues, Password, Practical Amanda    … Full Review »
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